Annapurna the Incredible Trekking Region

The north west part of Nepal, Annapurna Region is one of the most visited region and is considered Heaven by many ongoing travellers & nature lovers. Ranging from sodden bamboo forests to windswept desert, this mostly isolated landscape is home to some of the oldest buddhist communities & dramatic high mountains(including the 10th highest mountain).

The Famous city Pokhara is the gateway to Annapurna Region. Either take 6 to 7 hours bus ride or a 30 min flight for kathmandu, Pokhara welcomes you with its beautiful lakes and towering mountains.

Machapuchare is a mountain in the Annapurna Himal of north central Nepal.

Phewa Lake is a freshwater lake in Nepal located in the south of the Pokhara Valley that includes Pokhara city

Balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Tal, the brilliant-white Shanti Stupa in Pokhara is a massive Buddhist stupa.

Trek in the annapurna region all starts and end in pokhara.

Talking about the climate, being a high altitude region Annapurna Region is very cold in winter with snowfall and low in temperature. Nothing much changes in summer, the days are cooler (warmer) in comparison to winter but night can get cold and chilly.

As mentioned earlier the Annapurna region is home to several world-class treks & one of the most desired trekking destinations in the world. Let’s start with two of the most popular and most visited trekking destination of this region, Annapurna Circuit & Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit is considered one of the best trek in the world. The trek around the Annapurna massif is all about Nepalese village lifestyle, unbelievably challenging yet mesmerizingly beautiful landscape and above all pristine Himalayas. Annapurna circuit trek takes you to four different regions, Lamjung and Myagdi which are of the lower elevations whereas Manang and Mustang are of the higher elevations.

Throng La pass

View of Annapurna massif near Manang.

The village of Marpha in Nepal

Scenery on the Annapurna circuit

Throng La pass

This 100 miles trek passes from the world’s deepest gorge between two 8,000-plus meter peaks to 5416 meters elevated highland Thorung La Pass.

Popular side Hikes

Tilicho Lake

One of the most popular side hike destination of the Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres (16,138 ft) in Manang district. It is said to be one of the highest lake in the world and takes additional 2 to 3 days hike from Manang.

Naar Phu Valley

Opened to foreigners in 2002, Naar-Pho Valley has a total Tibetan character. Phugaon and Naar the two main villages of Naar-Pho are both located at over 4000 meter altitude. Listed as a restricted area trekking permit and travel guide are compulsory which are most likely to be arranged by your trekking agency. A side trip to Naar-Pho requires a total of 9 days if two nights are spent in both Phugaon and Naar.

Annapurna Base Camp

One of the most regularly visited and most loved trekking trails in Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trekking accommodates the incredible taste of Trekking in the Himalayas. The combination of easy walking (some steep uphill climbing & crossing narrow bridge),out of the world scenery and mix of cultures are unmatched by any other trekking routes in Nepal.

Mount Machhapuchhre in the right corner

Annapurna Sanctuary panorama view from annapurna base camp

Annapurna I in the background

Annapurna base camp

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is an elevated glacial basin located in the central Himalayas of Nepal. Most of the trail you tread during this trek is through the protected region of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The other highlight of the trek is the Annapurna sanctuary, the magical landscape around the Annapurna base camp.

Most of the trekking routes of Annapurna Region goes through 7,629 km2 Annapurna Conservation area, which is the largest protected area of Nepal. Among the three major trekking routes (Annapurna Circuit & Annapurna Base Camp) Jomsom -Muktinath is another popular destination.

Jomsom – Muktinath heading north from pokhara reveals Nepal’s spectacular diversity at its finest. Jomsom (2700 meters)beautiful windy valley nestles in the rain shadows of Mt. Dhaulagiri, whereas Muktinath is a sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley ( 3,710 meters)at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass.

Jomsom trek and the soaring peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri at the backdrop.

Kagbeni, gateway to upper mustang

Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples and is considered one of the eight most sacred shrines for Hindu

Jomsom Muktinath Trek takes you to the foothills of majestic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna catering diverse highlights of nature and culture from mesmerizing landscapes, scenic Himalayan view and the unique culture.

Not to forget Mustang“former Kingdom of Lo” bordering Tibet is also geographically a part of Annapurna Region.

Lo Manthang was the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo “Mustang”

Gyakar village across the gorge

Rigsum Gönpo and Buddhist prayer flags at the entrance of Samar

Mustang remained a mystery for centuries until it was opened for tourist in 1992.If you are craving for something wilderness and exploration the long lost kingdom will surely fascinates you. Mustang is a unique experience taking you beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, traveling across desert like landscape, barren ridges, deep canyon, cliffs and valleys.

Annapurna Region is not just limited to long and tiring trekking trails. Ghorepani Poonhill is the most wonderful short trek with spectacular views of Annapurna.

View from Poon Hill with Annapurna to the right and Dhaulagiri on the left

Ghorepani Poonhill trek is another magnificent addition to Annapurna Region, this trek allows you spectacular mountains sceneries (virgin Fishtail, majestic Annapurna, grand Dhaulagiri and less known beauty Nilgiri and Dhampus Peaks), opportunities to experience the hospitality of Gurung ethnics, lets you be a part of their celebrations and understand how beautiful a life can be, regardless of tough geography in the vicinity.

Easily accessible, plentiful of guest house, unspoiled beauty & its vast bio-diversity with both high mountains and lowland villages; trekking in the region offers unique exposure and experience.